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SHINING A LIGHT ON COMPACT EQUIPMENT


When it comes to versatility and customisation, 
it is the growing popularity of the compact track loader that is really making an impact on the market.


To find out more, we spoke to Cat Compact Dealers Reeds and Versatile Equipment, both of which have witnessed the market for track loaders grow by 300% from 2012 to 2014, thanks in particular to a focus on the creation of large-scale Solar Farms.


Haydn Waters of Wiltshire based Reeds: “Over the last few years there has been a growing demand for Solar Farm construction in the UK, as the focus on renewables increases. From a practical point of view, constructing these farms is not a simple task, particularly as they are often located in remote areas, on disused scrub or farmland.


“So there are real challenges to overcome, particularly as you find that larger more traditional plant, like dozers, are not very suitable for the application, churning up the ground with their tracks.


“This is where the customised compact track loader has come into its own, as its size and rubber tracks allow it to manoeuvre effectively around a site, without churning up the ground. Couple this with the power of the machine and its array of attachments and you have a multi purpose unit, capable of creating access roads, leveling solar panel bases and much more.


“From a customisation point of view, the Cat 279D Compact Track Loaders that we prepare for this application come with a complete GPS and blade package, the type of which you would normally associate with a large motor grader.


“By creating this bespoke attachment, which comes with its own guiding wheels and mounted wing mirrors, the operator can grade to the accuracy required by the customer, creating the right levels for access roads and also the concreting phase of the project.

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